Earlier in the news, we told you about a trio of fishermen who found themselves in court after they were caught with illegal marine products. But they weren't the only ones.
Three Hopkins villagers were also arraigned today: 41-year-old Denmar Aaron Venturo, 32-year-old Dixon Alvarez, and 23-year-old Marlin Tareak Martinez. They were charged jointly for possession of lobster during the closed season for 6 lobster tails, possession of undersized conch for 61 conchs found in their shells, and fishing in a conservation zone. The men were also found with 39 grunt, 2 porgy, 1 squirrelfish, and seven snappers.
Martinez and Dixon were also charged for fishing without a valid license. In court, they were unrepresented and Venturo took responsibility for the undersized conch and lobsters as well as fishing inside the Glover's Reef conservation zone. He was fined $1,000 for the lobster possession, along with $5 cost of court, which he must pay by October 15th, in default, 6 months imprisonment. He was also given an additional fine of $300 for the lobster tails.
But it didn't end there. Venturo also has to pay $1,005 for the undersized conch, plus a fine of $3,050. And there's also the $1,005 for fishing in a conservation zone, along with the penalty fine of $5,080 for the other illegal products found in his possession.
The total fines must be paid between October 15th and December 32nd.
Martinez pleaded guilty to fishing without a license and was fined $1,000 plus $5.00 cost of court to be paid by September 30th, in default 6 months. Alvarez pleaded not guilty to the same charge and that matter is set for trial. He was offered bail in the sum of $1,000 plus one surety of the same, which he met. His court date is set for July 21.
